Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Medicine Year 2 > Repo Topic 2 - Male Reproduction > Flashcards

Repo Topic 2 - Male Reproduction Flashcards

1
Q

How is the tunica vaginalis clinically relevant?

A

Excess fluid between the visceral and parietal layers = hydrocoele

Hydrocoele is usually harmless and is easily drained

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How long does spermatogenesis take?

A

64 days

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define spermatogenesis

A

Process of sperm production

Immature stem cells (spermatogonia) –> mature spermatids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Describe the shape of mature spermatids

A

Differentiate from round to elongated

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe the histology of the prostate

A
  • Fibromuscular stroma
  • Cuboidal/low columnar epithelial cells produce secretions - associated with prostatitis
  • Eosinophillic bodies - amyloid bodies (inspissated secretion)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

List the layers of the coverings of the testes

A
  1. Skin
  2. Dartos muscle - smooth muscle in dermis, causes wrinkling of scrotal skin
  3. External spematic fascia
  4. Cremasteric fascia and muscle - skeletal muscle, in spermatic cord, reflex
  5. Internal spermatic fascia
  6. Parietal tunica vaginalis
  7. Visceral tunica vaginalis
  8. Tunica albuginea
  9. Tunica vasculosa
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the function of the ilioinguinal nerve?

A

Sensory innervation of the genitalia - exits at superficial ring of the inguinal canal (doesn’t go through deep ring)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the histology of the seminiferous tubules

A
  • Contractile peritubular myoid cells just outside basement membrane
  • Sertoli cells inside basement membrane
  • Spermatogonia on basement membrane –> spermatozoa at luminal edge
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe the duct system of the testes

A
  1. 200-300 lobules divided by connective tissue septa with highly coiled seminiferous tubules (1-4 per lobule)
  2. Straight tubule (tubulus rectus)
  3. Rete testic
  4. Efferent ductules
  5. Epididymis - long, highly coiled tubule
  6. Vas deferens
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe the shape/size of the prostate gland

A

Pyramidal - size and shape of a chestnut

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe the secretions of the seminal vescicles

A
  • Viscous alkaline fluid - neutralises acid of female reproductive tract (pH 2-3) to allow sperm to function
  • Fructose - for ATP production by sperm
  • Prostaglandins - contraction of female tract, aid motility and viability
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe the venous drainage of the scrotum

A

Follow arteries into external pudendal vein, drains into vesical venous plexus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Where are the seminal vescicles located?

A

Between bladder fundus and rectum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe the secretions of the Bulbourethral glands

A

Produce mucous for lubrication - contains glycoproteins (cleans urethra)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe the structure of the epididymis

A
  • Has gross form - head, body, tail
  • Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Define endocrine disruptors

A

Exogenous substances which disrupt normal endocrine function - stimulate or inhibit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are phytoestrogens?

A
  • Naturally occuring substances in plants e.g. genistein
  • Have oestrogenic effect - may reduce fertility/protect from cancer
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q
A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Describe the walls of the inguinal canal

A
  • Anterior - aponeurosis of external oblique and internal oblique laterally
  • Posterior - transveralis fascia
  • Superior - transversalis fascia, internal oblique, transversus abdominus
  • Inferior - inguinal ligament - thickened medially by lacuna ligament
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

List the contents of the inguinal canal

A
  • Spermatic cord (males)
  • Round ligament (females)
  • Ilioinguinal nerve
  • Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Describe the types of spermatogonia

A
  • Pale/dark A and B
  • Dark A undergoes mitosis to produce more dark A and pale As
    • Dark A = stem cells, replace original
  • Pale A matures into type B
  • Type B matures into primary spermatocyte
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the effect of anabolic steroids?

A
  • Synthetic androgens, have mild testosterone-like effects
    • Development of male secondary sex characteristics, increased performance
  • Large amounts can have effect on reproductive system
    • High circulating testosterone, affects negative feedback on hypothalamus/anterior pituitary
    • Low testicular testosterone - testis atrophy and sterility
    • Also affects other systems, kidney and liver damage
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How is the pampiniform plexus specialised?

A

Cools venous blood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What effect do phthlalates have on development?

A
  • Cause major reduction in testosterone and insulin 3 production by Leydig cells
  • Abnormal testes development
  • Low germ cell numbers and delayed differentiation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Describe the innervation of the scrotum

A

Anterior and lateral - anterior scrotal nerves from the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve and ilioinguinal nerve

Posterior - posterior scrotal nerves from branches of the internal pudendal nerves and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

List the compartments of the testes

A
  1. Tubules - seminiferous tubules
  2. Interstitium - contains Leydig cells
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Describe the process of sperm

A
  • Spermatogonia on basement membrane divide by mitosis to form primary spermatocytes (largest cells in germinal epithelium)
  • Primary spermatocytes divide by meiosis I to form secondary spermatocytes
  • Secondary spermatocytes divide by meiosis II to spermatids
  • Spermatids are smaller than spermatocytes, undergo spermiogenesis and differetiate into spermatozoa
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Describe the location of the testes

A

Held within scrotum outside the body - need low temperature for sperm

Left usually slightly lower

29
Q

Describe the erectile tissue of the penis

A
  • 2x corposa cavernosa - surrounded by tunica albuginea
    • Blood sinuses which can fill with blood, separated by trabeculae of connective tissue and smooth muscle
  • Ventral corpus spongiosum - urethra runs through
    • Finer meshwork to prevent compression of urethra, thinner tunica albuginea
30
Q

What covers the testes?

A

Scrotum - derived from genital swellings, fused at midline (scrotal raphe)

31
Q

What is the clinical importance of the inguinal canal?

A

Weak point in abdominal wall, site of herniation

32
Q

What is diethylstilbestrol?

A
  • Synthetic oestrogen
  • Prescribed to pregnant women - treat morning sickness, block spontaneous abortion, promote foetal growth
  • Banned in early 1970s
    • Affects reproductive development and causes vaginal cancer
    • Not noticed until exposed children pubertal
33
Q

What is the function of sertoli cells?

A

Nurse/supporting cells

Create blood-testes barrier - stops immune destruction of gametes

Support germ cell development

34
Q

Describe the structure of Sertoli cells

A
  • Cytoplasm extends from basement membrane to the lumen of the tubule
  • Triangular/oval nuclei - contain fine sparse chromatin
35
Q

Describe the arterial supply of the scrotum

A

Anterior and posterior scrotal arteries from the external and internal pudendal arteries

36
Q

List the layers of the scrotum

A
  1. Skin
  2. Dartos muscle
  3. External spermatic fascia (Colles fascia) - from external oblique muscle
  4. Cremasteric fascia and muscle - from internal oblique muscle
  5. Internal spermatic fascia - from transversalis fascia
  6. Tunica vaginalis - parietal and visceral layer (parietal from peritoneum)
37
Q

What is the inguinal canal?

A
  • Short passage through the inferior abdominal wall
  • Pathway for structures to pass from the abdominal wall to the external genitalia
38
Q

Describe the interstitial tissue surrounding the seminiferous tubules

A
  • Leydig cells with blood vessels - secrete testosterone
    • Ovoid nuclei, contain punctate chromatin
    • Cytoplasm stains pink (H+E)
39
Q

List the types of endocrine disruptors

A
  • Natural hormones released into environment e.g. sewage slurge spread on fields
  • Natural chemicals produced by plants and fungi e.g. phytoestrogens - genistein
  • Synthetically produced pharmaceuticals e.g. contraceptive pill
  • Man-made chemicals e.g. pesticides
40
Q

Describe the openings of the inguinal canal

A
  • Deep = transversalis fascia (internal)
  • Superficial = external oblique (external)
41
Q

Describe the structure of the seminal vescicles

A
  • 5cm long
  • Coiled tubes
  • Combines with the ductus deferens to form the ejaculatory duct, which drains to the prostatic urethra
42
Q

Describe the contents of the spermatic cord

A
  • 3 arteries
    • A to ductus deferens
    • Testicular a
    • Cremasteric a
  • 3 nerves
    • Genital branch of genitofemoral n
    • Sympathetic nerves - testicular n
    • Ilioinguinal n (runs just outside in inguinal canal)
  • 3 other
    • Pampiniform plexus
    • Ductus deferens
    • Lymphatic vessels
43
Q

Describe the path of mature spermatids after they are formed?

A
  1. Lumen of tubules
  2. Efferent ducts
  3. Epididymis
44
Q

Where is the prostate gland located?

A

Surrounds the beginning of the urethra

45
Q

How long is the ductus deferens?

A

45cm

46
Q

Where are the layers of the scrotum derived from?

A

Formed by the layers of the anterior abdominal wall

47
Q

Describe the structure of the ductus deferens

A
  • Thick-walled tube
  • Part of spermatic cord, passes through the inguinal cana;
  • Smooth muscle in wall contracts (peristalsis) for ejaculation
  • Runs on lateral wall of pelvis
  • Attached at ampulla to seminal vescicle - outpouching of ductus
48
Q

Describe the regulation of spermatogenesis

A
  • Gonadotrophin releasing hormone from hypothalamus stimulates relase of LH and FSH from anterior pituitary
  • LH causes leydig cells in testis to make testosterone
  • Testosterone and FSH stimulate sertoli cell function to support developing germ cells in spermatogenesis
  • Once spermatogenesis reaches sufficient level, sertoli cells produce inhibin
    • Limits FSH production
    • Spermatogenesis decreases
49
Q

Describe the structure of the ductus deferens

A
  • 3 muscle layers - inner longitudinal, middle circular, outer longitudinal
  • Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia
50
Q

Describe the parts of the male reproductive system

A
  • Paired gonads - testes
  • Duct system - closely associated with urinary sytem (share final duct - urethra)
    • Epididymis, ductus deferens, urethra (within penis)
  • Accessory glands - prostate, paired seminal vesicles, paired bulbourethral glands
51
Q

Where are the bulbourethral glands located?

A

Pea-sized around base of prostate

52
Q

Are sperm haploid or diploid?

A

Haploid

53
Q

Describe the structure of the tunica vaginalis

A
  • Closed sac of peritoneum
  • Visceral and parietal layers - space between contains peritoneal fluid
54
Q

Describe the lining of the bulbourethral glands

A

Columnar epithelium

55
Q

What is the function of the testes?

A
  • Exocrine - gametes
  • Endocrine - mainly testosterone
56
Q

How is spermatogenesis regulated?

A
  • Gonadotrophin releasing hormone from the hypothalamus causes release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary
  • LH causes Leydig cells to produce testosterone
  • Testosterone and FSH stimulate the Sertoli cells to support developing gametes
  • When spermatogenesis reaches sufficient level, sertoli cells also produce inhibin
    • Limits FSH production
    • Decreases spermatogenesis
57
Q

Describe the cremasteric reflex

A
  • Contraction of the cremaster muscle to raise the testes
  • For protection or to shelter from cold temperature
58
Q

Describe the secretions of the prostate gland

A
  • Slightly acidic
  • Citrate for ATP production
  • Acid phosphatase and proteolytic enzymes - liquify coagulated semen
  • Passes secretion to the urethra via prostatic ducts
59
Q

What is the function of the epididymis?

A
  • Site of maturation of sperm
  • Can monitor/adjust fluid concentration and composition
  • Stereocilia increase the surface area for absorption of fluid - if ejaculation doesn’t occur can be reabsorbed
60
Q

Describe the coverings of the spermatic cord

A

External spermatic fascia, cremaster muscle and fascia, internal spermatic fascia

61
Q

Describe the venous drainage of the testes

A

Pampiniform plexus, drains to testicular vein

Testicular vein drains to inferior vena cava on the right and the renal vein in the left

62
Q

Describe the arterial supply of the testes

A

Testicular artery, branch of the abdominal aorta from just below the renal artery

63
Q

What are phthalates?

A
  • Man-made chemicals
  • Soften and increase flexibility of polyvinyl plastics
  • Potentially pose risk to male infant development
64
Q

List the types of male germ cells

A
  1. Immature spermatogonia - basal (immature)
  2. Spermatocyte - primary and secondary
  3. Mature spermatid - closer to lumen, round and elongated
65
Q

Define testicular dysgenesis syndrome

A
  • Cryptorchidism, hypospadias, infertility, germ cell cancer etc.
  • All symptoms linked, all are risk factors for each other
  • Common origin in foetal life
  • Irreversible - can treat symptoms but not cure
  • Leydig cells - hypospadias and cryptorchidism
  • Sertoli cells - germ cell cancer and low semen quality
66
Q

What type of cells are Sertoli cells?

A

Somatic cells, also known as Sustinacular cells

67
Q

Describe the structure of mature spermatids

A
  • Tail for propulsion
  • Midpeice contains mitochondria to produce energy
  • Acrosome - cap over head, contains enzymes to penetrate egg
  • Cytoplasmic remodelling - gives off residual body (phagocytosed by Sertoli cells) so mature have very little cytoplasm
  • Nucleus compacts
68
Q

What is the function of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve?

A
  • Cremaster muscle and anterior scrotal skin in males
  • Skin of mons pubic and labia majora in females
69
Q

What effect do endocrine disruptors have on reproduction?

A
  • Reduce fertility
  • Developmental abnormalities
  • Menstrual problems
  • Early puberty
  • Brain/behavioural problems
  • Cancers

Medicine Year 2 (41 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions